Modular fishing lure

ABSTRACT

The fishing lure of the present invention includes a frame and a plurality of soft outer bodies. The appearance of the lure can be altered by interchanging the various bodies. The bodies are removably secured to the frame by eyes which extend from the frame and which can be inserted into eye sockets formed in the soft outer bodies. In this way, the soft outer bodies can be interchanged without untying the fishing line from the frame. The eyes are also removably secured from the frame so that they may be interchanged.

This is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/898,767,filed on Jul. 23, 1997, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,918,405.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field Of The Invention

The present invention relates to fishing lures. More particularly,though not exclusively, the present invention relates to an apparatusand method for improving the effectiveness and flexibility of fishinglures.

2. Problems In The Art

Typical artificial fishing lures come in many shapes and forms, but areall designed to simulate natural prey or food or to otherwise attractfish. Conventional fishing lures include many different types. Inaddition, among each type of lure, the lures come in various colors andshapes and with various alternate features. In order for fishermen tohave a wide variety of lures for fishing for various types of fish undervarious conditions, a fisherman will fill a tackle box with a largenumber of lures, each being designed for a specific purpose. Fishermentypically include similar lures having varying colors in a tacklebox sothat they can try the various different types of lures in various colorsto determine what the fish are biting on. As a result, a typical tacklebox will be filled with dozens of various fishing lures.

A conventional fishing lure is attached to the fishing line in a numberof ways. Most commonly, a fisherman will simply tie the fishing linedirectly to the fishing lure. In order to change to a different type oflure while fishing, the fisherman will cut the line and then tie anotherlure onto the line. This is both time consuming and inconvenient.Another method of attaching a fishing lure to a fishing line is toconnect a wire leader to the fishing line. A clip can be connected tothe leader and clipped to the desired fishing lure. With thisconfiguration, in order to change lures, the fisherman will unclip thepresent lure and clip on a different lure. One problem with leader linesis that they are typically more visible than the fishing line and maydeter fish from the fishing lure. In addition, the clip itself may bevisible to the fish which is undesirable for obvious reasons.

While using prior art fishing lures, a fisherman may change lures overand over in order to select the optimal lure for the conditions at theparticular time. For example, the fisherman may interchange floating,sinking, etc. lures to determine what is working best at that time. Inaddition, the fisherman may interchange various colors, scent emittingmaterials, etc. in order to further determine what is most effective atany particular time. As a result, a fisherman will repeatedly cut theline and tie on another lure. Not only is this time consuming andinconvenient, but also requires that the fisherman have a tacklebox fullof dozens of different types and colors of lures.

FEATURES OF THE INVENTION

A general feature of the present invention is the provision of a methodand apparatus for providing fishing lures which overcome problems foundin the prior art.

A further feature of the present invention is the provision of a methodand apparatus for providing a modular fishing lure which allows afisherman to interchange various components of the fishing lure.

A further feature of the present invention is the provision of a methodand apparatus for providing a modular fishing lure which allows the useof multiple soft outer bodies on a single frame.

A further feature of the present invention is the provision of a methodand apparatus for providing a modular fishing lure in which a soft outerbody can be removably secured to a frame by the use of eyes extendingfrom the frame through holes formed in the soft outer body.

Further features, objects and advantages of the present inventioninclude:

A method and apparatus for providing a modular fishing lure which allowsthe user to change features of lure without untying the fishing line.

A method and apparatus for providing a modular fishing lure which allowsthe use of interchangeable eyes.

A method and apparatus for providing a modular fishing lure which allowsthe use of a plurality of soft outer bodies, each having differingphysical characteristics.

A method and apparatus for providing a modular fishing lure which allowsfor the optional use of a lip.

A method and apparatus for providing a modular fishing lure includingcrank baits.

A method and apparatus for providing a modular fishing lure includingjerk baits.

A method and apparatus for providing a modular fishing lure with soundor scent chambers.

These as well as other features, objects and advantages of the presentinvention will become apparent from the following specification andclaims.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The fishing lure of the present invention is comprised of a frameincluding at least one protrusion extending from the frame. A soft outerbody is adapted to fit over at least a portion of the frame and issecured to the frame by the protrusion extending through an openingformed in the soft outer body. The protrusion may optionally becomprised of a pair of eyes extending from the frame. The soft outerbody is adapted to fit over the frame with the eyes extending throughthe soft outer body to secure the body to the frame and to give theappearance of eyes on the soft outer body.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a modular fishing lure according to thepresent invention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a modular fishing lure of the presentinvention including several alternate soft outer bodies.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line 3--3 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged sectional view taken along line 4--4 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged partial view of the modular fishing lure shown inFIG. 1 with an optional lip insert.

FIG. 6 is a partial sectional view taken along line 6--6 of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the frame of the modularfishing lure shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a sectional view taken along line 9--9 of FIG. 7.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a modularfishing lure according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a sectional view taken along line 11--11 of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is an enlarged partial view of the modular fishing lure shown inFIG. 10.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The present invention will be described as it applies to its preferredembodiment. It is not intended that the present invention be limited tothe described embodiment. It is intended that the invention cover allalternatives, modifications, and equivalencies which may be includedwithin the spirit and scope of the invention.

FIG. 1 shows a modular fishing lure 10 of the present invention. Asshown, the lure 10 includes a plastic hollow frame 12 surrounded by asoft outer body 14. The body 14 has a shape and color which isattractive to fish, in this example, the soft outer body 14 resembles aminnow. Attached to the frame 12 are a pair of treble hooks 16. Alsoattached to the frame 12 are a pair of removable eyes 18 which extendthrough the body 14. The fishing lure 10 can be tied to a conventionalfishing line 20 as shown. The fishing lure 10 crosses the bridge betweenhard treble-hook baits and soft plastic baits.

FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of the frame 12 and of four alternativebodies 14-14C. As shown, the frame 12 includes a circular opening 22which is adapted to receive the removable eyes 18 as shown. The eyes 18may be secured to the frame 12 by a frictional fit or by any otheradequate means. The frame 12 also includes a wire form 24 which iscomprised of a single piece of wire formed partially within the frame 12as shown. The wire form 24 provides a tie eye (loop) for securing thefishing line 20 to the lure 10 as well as hook hangers for attaching thehooks 16 to the lure 10.

As shown in FIG. 2, various styles of bodies 14 can be used with thepresent invention. Bodies 14 and 14A shown in FIG. 2 are shaped toprovide the appearance of a fish having fins and a tail. Bodies 14B and14C are designed to appear like some other natural prey or foodattractive to fish. By selecting between the various bodies, thefisherman can choose any available body style for the lure 10. Ofcourse, the bodies 14-14C are only examples of possible body types.Other body styles could include all plugs, shad/sardine style bait,mullet style bait, offshore/blue water/muskie style bait, etc. Thebodies may be colored by metal specs, laminates, etc. or could even beimpregnated with a scent material. Alternatively, the bodies could bemanufactured clear so that the fisherman could color the bodies withdyes, markers, etc. There are an infinite number of possible body typesand colors that could be used with the present invention. In addition,the frame 12 can be colored or foil stamped to provide a desiredappearance. With these types of frames 12, the bodies 14 are preferablyclear or at least translucent.

Similarly, various styles of eyes 18 can also be used. For example, eyes18 can come in an infinite number of colors or can be made with a foilstamping technique. In addition, the eyes 18 need not be removable. Theeyes 18 could be a permanent part of the frame 12. The eyes 18 couldalso be made of metal to add weight to the lure.

The soft outer body 14 includes a cavity 26 formed therein which hasgenerally the same shape as the outer surface of the frame 12. Inaddition, a slot or slit 30 is formed on the underside of the body 14 sothat the body 14 can be inserted over the frame 12. The slit 30 ispreferably 1/32 inches in width. To secure the body 14 to the frame 12,the eyes 18 (which are inserted into the openings 22 prior to insertingthe body 14 over the frame 12) are pressed through the holes 28 formedin the soft outer body 14 so that the eyes 18 actually secure the body14 to the frame 12. As shown, the eyes 18 are comprised of a shaftportion 36 and an enlarged head portion 38. When inserting the body 14onto the frame 12, the material comprising the body 14 has enoughresiliency that the holes 28 will stretch over the head portion 38 ofthe eyes and will come into contact with the shaft portion 36. In thisway, the head portion 38 will prevent the body 14 from becomingunsecured from the frame 12. Alternatively, the body 14 could beinserted over the frame 12 and then the eyes 18 inserted into the frame12.

An alternative method of securing the body 14 to the frame 12 is by theuse of any protrusion extending from the frame 12, whether or not theprotrusion forms eyes. For example, one or more protrusions could beextended from the frame 12 in the front, back, sides, etc. of the frame12. The soft outer body 14 could then be secured to the protrusions inthe same manor as with the eyes 18 described above.

FIG. 3 is a cross section of the fishing lure 10 including the frame 12and soft outer body 14. As shown, the soft outer body 14 closelyconforms to the outer surfaces of the frame 12. The slot 30, as shown,extends from near the chin of the body 14 to a point near the tail ofthe body. The length of the slot 30 is also defined by the wire form 24as shown. One optional feature of the present invention can also be seenin FIG. 3. As shown, a hollow chamber 32 may be formed in the soft outerbody 14. In this way, the chamber 32 is surrounded partially by the softouter body 14 and partially by the frame 12. If desired, a fisherman mayinsert a scent emitting material or light emitting material into thechamber 32. A weight can also be inserted into the chamber 32.

FIG. 3 also shows an internal chamber 34 formed within the frame 12.Preferably, the frame 12 is comprised of a hollow plastic member. Ifdesired, rattle members such as plastic, metal, ceramic, etc. balls maybe placed within the internal chamber 34 to create noise which may beattractive to fish. The rattle members also can be used to add weight tochange the buoyancy of the lure.

FIG. 4 shows a cross sectional view of the frame 12, body 14, wire form24, and eyes 18. As shown, the soft outer body 14 closely conforms tothe frame 12. FIG. 4 also illustrates the hollow chamber 32 formed inthe body 14. FIG. 4 also shows the opening 22 formed in the frame 12. Asshown, the shaft portion 36 of each of the eyes 18 extends partiallyinto the frame 12 but does not extend entirely within the frame 12. Inthis way, there is a space between the head portion 38 of the eyes 18and the outer surface of the frame 12. This space is roughly the same asthe thickness of the soft outer body 14 in the proximity of the holes28.

FIGS. 5 and 6 show an optional feature of the present invention. FIG. 5is a partial view of the fishing lure 10 with a lip 40 inserted into theframe 12. The lip 40 preferrably includes a body portion with twoopposing legs 42 having protrusions 44 formed near their ends. The frame12 includes a cavity 46 which is adapted to receive the legs 42 of thelip 40 (FIG. 6). The cavity 46 also includes fingers 48 which areadapted to engage the protrusions 44 on the legs 42 to secure the lip 40in place. The lip 40 may also have contoured or curved surface, or couldbe flat, for example.

FIGS. 7-9 show an alternate embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7is a perspective view of a jerk bait fishing lure 110 having a jig-stylehead. Much like the fishing lure 10 shown in FIG. 1, the jerk baitfishing lure 110 includes a soft outer body 114, and a pair of opposingeyes 118. The fishing lure 110 melds Rattlin' Jig single hook stylebaits with jerk style baits. The fishing lure 110 can be used with orwithout a weedless rigging.

As shown in FIG. 8, a hollow frame 112 includes an opening 122 which isadapted to receive eyes 118 much like the opening 22 shown in FIG. 2receives the eyes 18. A hook assembly 113 can be snapped into place onthe frame 112. In this way, hooks of differing sizes and styles can besnapped onto the frame 112. The hook 113 is held into place by tworetainers 117A and 117B. The retainers 117A and 117B are preferably madefrom a cylindrical shaped piece of resilient plastic with slots formedin it to releasably hold the hook 113. FIG. 8 shows the hook 113 securedto the frame 112 (solid lines) and unsecured to the frame 112 (dashedlines). The hook assembly 113 includes an eye 115 which can be used totie the hook 113 to a fishing line 20. FIG. 9 is a sectional view of thejerk bait fishing lure 110. As shown, the hollow frame 112 issubstantially surrounded by a soft outer body 114 which, like the bodies14, includes a slit 130 extending along the chin line from the eye 115of the hook assembly 113 to the point where the hook 113 extends fromthe bottom of the body 114.

Like the fishing lure 10 described above, the soft outer body 114 issecured to the frame 112 by the removable eyes 118. The hook 113 is alsoinserted into the soft outer body 114. Even though the hook goes throughthe soft outer body 114, the body 114 is damaged less than with priorart lures. In this way, a plurality of soft outer bodies 114 can be usedwith the same frame 112 to provide a fisherman with a large variety ofbaits for the fishing lure 110. Like the hollow chamber 34 shown in FIG.3, rattle members may also be used within the chamber 134 to provide asource of noise to attract fish, change the buoyancy of the lure, or tocause the lure to resonate at a desired frequency.

FIGS. 10-12 show an alternative embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a fishing lure 210 which, from itsouter appearance, appears very similar to the lure 10 shown in FIG. 1.The fishing lure 210 includes a solid frame 212 which may be made fromany suitable material including, but not limited to wood, cork orplastic. The lure 210 also includes a soft outer body 214 disposedsubstantially around the hard frame substrate 212. The outer body 214may be comprised of soft plastic or a semi-rigid plastic. The outer body214 includes eyes 218 which are formed in the body 214 rather than beingseparate members like the eyes 18 shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 11 is a sectional view of the fishing lure 210 shown in FIG. 10. Asshown, the frame 212 is surrounded by the outer body 214. Like the body14 shown in FIG. 1, the body 214 includes a slot 230 formed along itslower side for allowing the body 214 to be slid over and around theframe 212. One or more hooks 216 are secured to the lure 210 by screweyes 215 which are threaded into the hard frame 212. Note that the hookscan be secured to the frame 212 in any number of ways. In addition, thehooks 216 are shown as treble hooks but could be comprised of any typeof hook. Like the body 14 shown in FIG. 3, the body 214 shown in FIGS.10 and 11 includes a hollow chamber 232 which may be used to hold ascent or light emitting material. A weight could also be inserted intothe chamber 232.

The outer body 214 of the lure 210 is secured to the frame 212 by a bodyretainer 234 which is best shown in FIG. 12. The body retainer protrudesfrom the body 212 and includes a shaft portion 236 and a pointed barbedportion 238. The body 214 is secured to the frame 212 by inserting thebody retainer 234 into the body 214. The opening in the body 214 inwhich the body retainer 234 is inserted, can be formed by the bodyretainer 234 itself or may be preformed.

The soft plastic bodies 14, 114, and 214, may also be secured to theirrespective frame by various alternative methods. For example, the bodiescould be secured by gluing, Velcro, adhesive tape, etc. Alternatively,the soft bodies could be secured to the frame with no protrusion orfastener. In such an embodiment, the body could be secured simply by thefact that if conforms to the frame and the resiliancy of the body itselfhold it to the frame.

The present invention operates as follows. A fisherman using the presentinvention will preferably have a tacklebox with at least the followingitems: one or more frames 10 or 212; a plurality of soft outer bodies 14or 214 having various colors, shapes, and other characteristics; aplurality of eyes 18; and a number of lips 40. The fisherman mayoptionally have one or more of the following: a jerk bait frame 112; anumber of jerk bait hooks 113 of various sizes; and a plurality of jerkbait soft outer bodies 114 having various shapes, sizes, and colors,etc.

The fisherman will initially tie a frame assembly 12 to the fishing line20 in a conventional manner. Alternatively, if the fisherman wishes tofish with a jerk type bait, the hook and frame assembly 112 will be tiedto the fishing line 20. Of course, the frames can include many types inaddition to that shown in the Figures. For example, a 3-hook frame maybe used. The fisherman then decides what type of bait would be best forthe given situation. Depending on the type of bait desired, thefisherman will select a soft outer body 14 from the plurality of bodies14 found in the tackle box. The fisherman will also select a pair ofeyes 18 which have a color and or weight which the fisherman desires forthe situation.

The eyes 18 can then be inserted into the eye sockets 22 of the frame 12if the eyes 18 are not already inserted. The selected soft outer body 14can then be inserted around the frame 12 by pushing the frame 12 throughthe slot 30 so that the body 14 closely conforms to the frame 12 (FIG.3). To secure the body 14 to the frame 12, the body 14 can be pressed inthe proximity of the eyes 18 so that the head portion 38 of the eyes 18will extend through the holes 28 formed in the bodies 12 (FIG. 4). Inthis way, the eyes 18 will now secure the soft outer body 14 to theframe 12. The fisherman can then use the lure 10 in a conventionalmanner.

The fisherman may also decide to use a lip 40 in order to make the lure10 a lipped bait which will cause the sure 10 to act in a differentmanner, for example act as a diving lure. To insert the lip 40, the useraligns the legs 42 of the lip 40 with the cavity 46 formed in the frame12 (FIG. 6). By pressing the lip 40 into the cavity, the legs 42 willflex and cause the protrusions 44 to be secured within the cavity 46 bythe fingers 48. The lip 40 can be removed from the frame 12 by simplypulling the lip 40 from the frame 12. The lip 40 could also bepermanent.

The fisherman may also choose to insert a scent emitting material orlight emitting material into the hollow cavity 32 formed in the softouter body 14 (FIG. 3). The user may also wish to use a frame 12 thatincludes rattling members such as spherical balls within the hollowchamber 34 formed in the frame 12. This will give the lure 10 a rattlingsound as it moves through the water. If the user wishes the lure 10 tosink or sink at a faster rate, a weight can also be placed within thehollow chamber 32 formed in the body 14. Alternatively, the eyes 18could be made of metal to add weight, or could be made buoyant to changethe action of the lure.

When the fisherman desires to change to a different type of lure, thefishing line 20 does not have to be untied from the wire form 24. Forexample, to change eye colors, the eyes 18 can be pulled out of theframe 12 and a different set of eyes 18 inserted into the eye sockets 22of the frame 12. If a different body style or body color is desired, thebody 14 can be removed from the frame 12 by pulling up on the body 14 inthe proximity of the eyes 18 to pull the opening 28 from the eyes 18 sothat the remainder of the body 14 can be removed from the frame 12.Likewise, the lip 40 can be inserted or removed to change lure types.

The jerk style bait shown in FIGS. 7-9 operates in a similar manner. Itcan be seen that using a lure of the present invention allows afisherman to interchange all popular body styles without retying thefishing line. In addition, the present invention allows a fisherman toconvert between floating, sinking, or suspending bait without untyingthe fishing line.

The preferred embodiment of the present invention has been set forth inthe drawings and specification, and although specific terms areemployed, these are used in a generic or descriptive sense only and arenot used for purposes of limitation. Changes in the form and proportionof parts as well as in the substitution of equivalents are contemplatedas circumstances may suggest or render expedient without departing fromthe spirit and scope of the invention as further defined in thefollowing claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A fishing lure comprising:a frame having at leastone protrusion extending from the frame; a soft outer body attached tothe frame and being adapted to be accepted by the frame and to fit overat least a portion of the frame; and at least one opening formed in thesoft body, wherein the protrusion extends at least partially through theopening formed in the soft outer body when the body is fit over theframe to removably secure the body to the frame; a hook coupled to theframe, wherein the soft outer body is adapted to fit around at least aportion of the frame and around at least a portion of the hook.
 2. Thefishing lure of claim 1 wherein the at least one protrusion comprises anelongated shaft having an enlarged portion at one end.
 3. The fishinglure of claim 2 wherein the at least one protrusion is comprised of twoprotrusions extending from opposite sides of the frame.
 4. The fishinglure of claim 3 wherein the enlarged portions of the two protrusions arecolored to simulate eyes, wherein each of the simulated eyes extendthrough one of the openings formed in the soft outer body.
 5. Thefishing lure of claim 1 wherein the soft outer body fits over asubstantial portion of the frame.
 6. The fishing lure of claim 5 furthercomprising a slot formed in the soft outer body for allowing the softouter body to be fitted around the frame such that a substantial portionof the frame will be covered by the soft outer body without untying afishing line from the lure.
 7. The fishing lure of claim 5 wherein thesoft outer body is shaped and colored to simulate a live bait.
 8. Thefishing lure of claim 7 wherein the soft outer body is shaped andcolored like a minnow.
 9. The fishing lure of claim 1 further comprisinga lip adapted to be secured to the frame.
 10. The fishing lure of claim9 wherein the frame includes a front portion adapted to be secured to afishing line, wherein the lip is comprised of a member secured to thefront portion of the frame to alter the action of the lure.
 11. Thefishing lure of claim 1 wherein the protrusion forms a barb.
 12. Thefishing lure of claim 1 wherein the frame includes a wire frame forsecuring the frame to a fishing line and to at least one hook.
 13. Thefishing lure of claim 1 wherein the frame is comprised of an elongatedhollow plastic member.
 14. The fishing lure of claim 13 furthercomprising a plurality of rattling membrane disposed within the hollowframe.
 15. The fishing lure of claim 1 wherein the soft outer bodyincludes a slot which allows the soft outer body to be fit around theframe and a portion of the hook.
 16. The fishing lure of claim 15wherein the soft outer body is secured to the frame and hook by the atleast one protrusion and by inserting the hook into the soft outer body.17. The fishing lure of claim 1 wherein the at least one protrusion isremovably secured to the frame.
 18. The fishing lure of claim 1 whereinthe at least one protrusion is comprised of two protrusions extendingfrom opposite sides of the frame.
 19. The fishing lure of claim 18wherein the two protrusions have end portions which are colored tosimulate eyes.
 20. The fishing lure of claim 19 wherein the protrusionsare releasably secured from the frame such that a plurality of suchprotrusions can be interchanged.
 21. A fishing lure comprising:a frame;first and second eyes extending from the frame, the first and secondeyes each being comprised of a shaft having an enlarged end; a softouter body having a cavity formed therein and adapted to fit over atleast a portion of the frame and forming a bait portion of the fishinglure; and first and second openings formed in the soft outer body inlocations corresponding to the locations of the first and second eyeswhen the soft outer body is fitted over the frame, wherein the enlargedends of the first and second eyes extend through the first and secondopenings, respectively, to secure the soft outer body to the frame. 22.The fishing lure of claim 21 wherein the eyes are removably secured tothe frame.
 23. The fishing lure of claim 22 further comprising first andsecond openings formed in the frame, wherein the first and secondopenings are adapted to receive the shaft of the first and second eyes,respectively.
 24. The fishing lure of claim 21 wherein the frame ishollow.
 25. The fishing lure of claim 24 further comprising a pluralityof rattling members disposed within the hollow frame.
 26. The fishinglure of claim 21 further comprising a wire frame coupled to the frameand being adapted to be attached to a fishing line and at least onehook.
 27. The fishing lure of claim 21 further comprising a lip coupledto the frame for changing the performance of the lure.
 28. The fishinglure of claim 21 further comprising a scent emitting material disposedwithin the cavity.
 29. The fishing lure of claim 21 further comprising alight emitting material disposed within the cavity.